Executive Director

Helem is the first LGBTQIA+ rights organization in the Arab world, officially established in Beirut, Lebanon in 2001. Its mission is to lead the struggle for the liberation of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Intersex, Transgendered, Queer (LGBTQIA+) and other people with non-conforming sexualities and/or gender identities in Lebanon and the SWANA region from all sorts of violations of their individual and collective civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. Our goal is to empower young LGBTQIA+ leaders to advocate for their own liberation. We seek to create initiatives and spaces where our communities can leverage unity through diversity and build power. We protect and support individuals with the resources to resist the harm caused by homophobia and transphobia. We empower our youth through education and community building and mobilize to change the laws, policies, and practices that deny us equality and reduce our quality of life.

Helem is seeking an exceptional candidate to join our LGBTQIA+ rights organization in the position of Executive Director. The ideal candidate will have a wide range of expertise including familiarity with human rights advocacy, law, and national and international mechanisms. Candidates should have a demonstrated track record of leading successful advocacy campaigns a thorough understanding of intersectional human rights challenges in Lebanon with a preferred focus on gender and sexuality. This position presents a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on advancing equality for the LGBTQIA+ community both in Lebanon and the region.

Tasks:

• Enact creative, strategic, realistic, and impactful projects and programs for the organization in line with identified priorities for LGBTIQ+ communities in Lebanon and the MENA region.
• Represent the organization publicly and in meetings with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and media outlets, communicating and promoting its mission and SOGIESC-focused initiatives and influencing public discourse on LGBTIQ+ priorities in Lebanon and the MENA region.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with donors, funding organizations, and stakeholders interested in gender equality and LGBTQIA+ rights.
• Collaborate and grow the organization’s allies and membership within existing and future coalitions and identify ways to engage with other issue-based reform movements.
• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to advocate for LGBTQIA+ and gender equality issues, participating in conferences, workshops, and international forums.
• Co-create and implement Helem’s advocacy, managerial, and development strategies and ensure the timely and professional completion of all goals, objectives, and deliverables.
• Identify adequate and sufficient funding sources in a timely and effective manner in line with the organization’s mission, vision, values, and goals.
• Organize, update, and oversee the organization’s operations and programs and develop, improve their impact, and implement consistent reporting mechanisms for increased efficiency.
• Manage and implement all of Helem governance, security, management, and ethics protocols.
• Provide feedback and support for all Helem programming including advocacy campaigns, communications strategies, community activities, cases, and policy research.
• Provide visionary leadership, promoting a healthy work environment that prioritizes the well-being, mental health, and professional development of the team.
• Foster a culture of inclusivity, respect, and collaboration, ensuring that diverse perspectives are valued and integrated into decision-making processes.
• Encourage open communication, feedback, and shared decision-making within the organization.
• Manage all of the organization’s legal and official paperwork and represent it in official meetings.
• Oversee and report the organization’s results, finances, and strategies to the Advisory Council. Oversee and endure the production of annual reports, financial reports, newsletters, and other annual products.
• Uphold the organization's mission, vision, values, and goals.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 6 years of proven experience in working for non-profit organizations, with a focus on human rights, gender, and sexuality preferred.
• Preferred experience as a gender specialist, with a thorough understanding of SOGIESC and other intersectional issues facing LGBTIQ+ populations in Lebanon and the MENA region.
• Strong knowledge of Lebanese and MENA politics, policy, and civil society as well as legal and judicial frameworks.
• Strong knowledge of gender equality frameworks, policies, and best practices.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences on gender-related matters.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing advocacy campaigns, working with coalitions, and managing strategic and funding partners.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships with donors, stakeholders, and human rights advocates.
• Experience fundraising and engaging with a large and diverse number of funders and funding frameworks.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a track record of achieving fundraising goals.
• PhD, J.D., or Master’s degree(s) in Law, Gender Studies, Women's Studies, Non-profit Management, Fundraising, Public Policy or Administration, International Relations or Studies, or a related field.Bottom of Form